In the budget process, the President and Congress submit and Congress passes the spending levels for the upcoming year. Unfortunately, just as the average family faces occasional emergency spending, America has seen its share of unforeseen and difficult events in recent years.

Since 2001, Congress has significantly increased spending for Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, economic recovery, and to fulfill the promise of prescription drug coverage for seniors.

The tax cuts, which I supported, were designed to stimulate the economy, with the goal of job creation. The economy is now showing strong signs of recovery and growth. I believe this growth in conjunction with limits to federal spending will once again increase revenues and reduce the burden of the deficit.

The United States has taken freedom to millions who were previously oppressed, while working so that those in this country are protected from terrorists who wish to harm us. As well, money spent on defense overseas will provide further security in our nation, guaranteeing that we will bring the fight to terrorists on their terrain, not in our communities.

However, in doing so, we had to spend more money than was available. Congress will face difficult spending choices this year, but I was an active participant when Congress balanced the budget in 1997 – the first time since 1969 – and I remember that fiscal restraint, along with economic growth, are the best tools to curb deficits.

Likewise, the President has submitted a budget that cuts spending levels in nearly half of the federal agencies. Targeted raises in spending are planned in such agencies as the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Overall non-defense related spending will see a very small increase in spending of less than 1%. Please know that I will remain committed to greater fiscal discipline, while ensuring that increases for security both at home and abroad are now planned and can be effectively included in future budgets. Now is the time to better control spending, and although not easy, it must be a key priority for this Congress in 2004 and years to come.

 Back to Issues